The Pacific Islands region covers 32 million sq km and is situated in the middle of the largest continuous marine habitat on the planet, the Pacific Ocean.  It is home to a diverse range of marine fauna and over half of the world's known species of whales and dolphins are found in this area.

Countries and Territories of this region have recently demonstrated global leadership in cetacean conservation by ratifying the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding for Cetaceans and their Habitats in the Pacific Island Region.  WDCS has taken a significant role in encouraging and facilitating this legal framework.

This agreement is an important step forward in facilitating deeper region-wide cooperation to address issues of shared responsibility including threat reduction, habitat protection and the establishment of migratory corridors, research, monitoring, information exchange, regional capacity building and the development of sustainable and responsible cetacean-based tourism.

WDCS is providing on the ground scientific expertise to assist local conservationists and politicians to implement the measures in the agreement.  We are doing this through establishing a network of researchers and policy experts across the region, coordinating meetings and workshops with representatives from each Pacific Island, developing local programs and training within coastal communities and monitoring and evaluating progress.

Recent WDCS activity has been focussed on Papua New Guinea.  The waters of Papua New Guinea include some 600 islands, atolls and coral reefs as well as areas of seagrass, deep sea and pelagic habitats. Papua New Guinea is a unique component of the vast and complex marine ecosystems of the Pacific Islands region. Such a variety of marine environments gives rise to unique species habitat.  To date there has been two dedicated cetacean surveys conducted in Papua New Guinea, each covering a restricted geographic range.  Other reports have added to the understanding of Papua New Guinean cetacean diversity, however the information from many of these sources typically indicates a given species presence only, rather than a more detailed understanding of the life history, geographic range, and habitat of individuals and populations. Very little information is known about the possible threats to these species. These uncertainties make it difficult to effectively provide appropriate protection and management of cetaceans in Papua New Guinea.

WDCD's Pacific Island Program has committed funds for the next three years to initiate research in Papua New Guinea. Recently four proposals were approved for start up funding to address these gaps in information.  These projects are due to commence later this year and will assist with developing a better understanding of cetacean habitat use, migratory routes as well as possible population size.  An education and awareness program will be established for local coastal villagers and related industry to support the building of in-country networks and resources. The results and analyses of this work will contribute towards the national management plan, enabling a more confident assessment of the current issues and developing a plan forward.

Donations are welcome and help WDCS to continue our on the ground conservation work.

Related programs links South West Pacific